(Nudging As Part Of Behavioural Economics Cont. 5)

Ethics of Nudging

Nudging is an effective change implementation  technique. However, it can be
"...accused of lacking transparency and undermining freedom of choice..."
 Braithwaite as quoted by Filia Garivaldis et al, 2023

Principles of ethics (biometric focus)

"...1. Beneficence (the obligation to act on behalf and support the rights of others, prevent harm, remove conditions that cause harm, help persons who are disadvantaged, and rescue persons in danger)

     2. Non-Maleficence (do no harm...do not kill, do not cause pain or suffering, do not incapacitate, do not cause offence, and do not deprive others of the goods of life)

    3. Autonomy (all persons have intrinsic and unconditional worth, should have the power to make rational decisions and moral choices, and be allowed to exercise capacity for self-determination)

     4. Justice (fair, equitable and appropriate treatment of persons)

     5. Fidelity/Confidentiality (maintain confidentiality, do as you say you will, obligation to avoid conflicts of interest, etc)

     6. Veracity (truth telling, complete honesty - ability to exercise autonomy with knowledge, eg informed consent)..."
Beauchamp et al as quoted by Filia Garivaldis et al, 2023

FORGOOD framework (for nudging)

"....F. Fairness (Will the nudge unduly burden some groups more than others?)
     O. Openness (Is the nudge visible and obvious, rather than hidden or manipulative?)
     R. Respect (Does the nudge respect peoples autonomy, dignity, freedom of choice, and privacy?)
     G. Goals (Does the nudge positively influence the welfare of everyone involved?)
     O. Opinions (Does the target audience agree with the method and the goal of a nudge?)
     O. Options (Have other policy levers been considered instead of a nudge)
     D. Delegation (Do the people designing have the right to use this power of influence on the target audience?)..."
Lades et al as quoted by Filia Garivaldis et al, 2023